Last August, at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Atlanta, GA, one particular band made a big impression.  One band really made the crowd of youth go wild.  Who was it? Point 5 Covenant. Their CD Listen. Learn has been called "the best Catholic hip-hop in the universe" and after hearing it I'd have to agree. Point 5 Covenant (P5C) is Kiel Werking, also known as Moses The Black, and Flip Caderao, also known as J. The Primate. They have played with Fr. Stan Fortuna, The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Band, Curtis Stephen and others.  P5C has taken Catholic rap to the next level.  Forget the gold and platinum chains--these guys wear a Crucifix. There is a sound here much like Eminem or the Beastie Boys and the lyric style of Big Audio Dynamite, but the message is a complete 180. Songs from the danceable “Break Y’all” to the song about their home state, “Texas," and some that are straight spiritual as in “ Axis,” make this a truly unique CD.  It’s in "Axis" that Fr. Pontifex joins the crew to let the listener know that the Cross is the axis on which the world spins.  Chastity is the focus of the song "Once You Begin,” dealing with the pressures that you feel as a teen in today’s world. P5C’s love of the Eucharist is touched upon in the song “Return To Maker ” with the lyrics: "...I'll take your Body but I'm never worthy to receive You…” The one song that is a must hear from Listen. Learn is “Sorrowful,” in which the group raps out the Sorrowful Mysteries from the Holy Rosary. This song will truly touch you even if you are not a fan of rap or hip hop. Point 5 Covenant's hip-hop ministry has put their faith in action, hastening after God’s word through James 2:17: "Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead".  

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases." This is beginning of Psalm 103, letting us know that our God is the Great Physician and loves us so much that He will heal us of our disease or sins. Psalm 103 is also the basis for “So Bless The Lord,” the opening track on the new CD, Held By Love, by Songs In His Presence.  What makes Songs In His Presence such an interesting group is that each member of this ensemble could make a solo CD with his or her personal vocal talents, and that makes for great listening.  We are treated to various voices and styles with this band.  Each song on the CD is deeply prayerful and helps to take you on a journey with the Lord in devout worship. Echoing the love that the Father has for each of us are the two songs "How Profound is Your Love" and "My Mouth Shall Praise You With Joy." It is the beautiful interpretation of St. John of the Cross’ poem “Living Flame” that will surely touch you, with Eric McLaughlin’s gentle voice and the music of flute and guitar blending as one. Deb Mantel sings a stirring song on God’s presence in everything that surrounds us. He is in the morning sun and the air we breathe. The front cover of Held By Love must come from the sweet tune sung by Amy Righi called “Abide, O Lord.”  It tells of God using the human heart as His home as we ask Him in. Songs in His Presence adapted this with the image of two hearts, one being held by another. It's an awesome thought.

One of the things I enjoyed best about the new CD by Valerie Von Fange is that it seems to have God’s mercy as its resounding theme throughout. The CD is titled Steadfast Love and is unique with its blend of several styles of music. Within this CD you can hear influences of Reggae, Bluegrass, Country, Celtic and Pop. Von Fange’s vocals are clear and passionate, as in the gentle song “Psalms 123.” This Psalm is about a servant who looks toward Heaven as God’s mercy is rained down from on high. The tune ”A Hymn To Him” carries a country flare. It's a song of praise as we lift up His name. We again see the mercy of God in the song "Radiance," as He picks up the pieces of our brokenness and gives us comfort. This song shows that suffering is used for good and offering it up can help the poor souls in Purgatory. It's a truly awesome song! The title of the CD seems to have been inspired by the song, "Till Trouble Do Us Part." It's a song that deals with the "bad times" of marriage, noting that these rough spots can often lead to something new and better for each spouse. It speaks loudly in today’s society where divorce is so prevalent.  One person who lived God’s mercy was Mother Teresa. She was often called an angel of mercy and Von Fange pays tribute to her in the Latin-beat song, "Missionary of Charity." "The Grace Within" tells the story of St. Augustine and his conversion from sinner to saint through God’s grace and his mother’s prayers.  The classic "O Sanctissima/Beautiful Savior" gets a Celtic makeover, with Von Fange laying down the vocals in both English and old Latin.  With Steadfast Love Valerie Von Fange gives us a musical tour through some of the most profound beliefs of our faith, giving us a deeper understand God’s love and mercy for all of us.

Imagine yourself on a Caribbean island:  The gentle tropical breeze, the waves of the ocean, palm trees swinging in the breeze--all signs of creation pointing to the majesty of God.  Now you only need the music.  You're in luck!  Catholic artist Michael's debut CD titled, Virtues is a collection of songs with a Caribbean flavor.  Many of the featured musicians that accompany Michael are from popular groups like The Allman Brothers Band, Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine, Genesis, and John Tesh. Michael says he was inspired to compose a body of music that would positively highlight the virtues given to us by God. He asked for help from his uncle, Fr. Charles McGlinn, to tutor him in the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  The result is this collection of songs on honesty, patience, trust, hope, friendship, love, mercy--the list goes on.  This limited edition digital-pack comes not only with 12 inspired tunes, but with a second CD featuring completely instrumental versions.  

I can still remember songs that I heard as a child that helped me to learn basic math, science, history or language skills. Many of the songs I remember where on Sesame Street, Electric Company, or Zoom. I still go back to the old “School-House Rock” songs when doing multiplication in my head. I believe that this is the idea behind The Dogma Dogs.  Your kids are to believe that they are 5 cartoon dogs that play in a rock band that teach the Catholic Faith. Parents will be happy to know that our kids are getting true Catholic teaching by someone who holds Master's degrees both in Theology and Liturgical Music, Amy Lewkowicz. Lewkowicz writes catchy pop songs about church history and doctrine, using original melodies, as well as familiar tunes most children know. This recording includes members of the St. John Neumann Children's choir, so your kids will feel like they are part of the group. The CD opens with the song "Lent," which explains the meaning and the changes the Church goes through during this time. The tune is from the 80’s band The Stray Cats, so adults will enjoy the tune as well. Another song takes the classic rock song “Louie, Louie" and turns it into "Pharaoh, Pharaoh, "a song about the story of  Moses and the 10 Commandments.  Moses and the tablets get a reprise in the song, "The 10 Commandments of Mt. Sinai," which uses the Christmas song “The 12 Days of Christmas” as its core.  You'll forever remember the names of the “21 Ecumenical Councils,” after listening to this country/western tune.   The one song that is truly serious on the CD is "Hail Mary (Echo)." Lewkowicz and the kids sing this in a style that would be very appropriate for a CCD or Vacation Bible School class to learn and perform at Mass. As an adult I found the CD to be pleasant and interesting.  My kids found the illustrations of The Dogma Dogs that are included on the CD insert amusing.

--Jeff Burson